Monthly Archives: March 2014

Shadowrun Online has launched on Steam Early Access with a prequel storyline to the final version’s main campaign. The turn-based MMO is set in a dystopian future, where gangs and Megacorp mercenaries roam the streets of Boston. Gamers will be able to try out the class-free character-creation system as they take their tech-savvy magician, gun-crazy pyro, or other bizarre hybrid Shadowrunner on four missions and against others in player-versus-player combat. Content will be added as development progresses, and players who take part during the Early Access period will have their feedback taken into consideration when features are added or tweaked.

The Age of Wonders series has been dormant for over a decade, but it returns today with the release of Age of Wonders 3 on GOG and Steam. The Triumph Studios-developed turn-based strategy title features online play with versus modes and scenarios, two playable factions, new leader classes (e.g., warlord, rogue, theocrat), a new tactical combat system, and an increased focus on unit specialization. Leaders will have to undertake quests, set up economies, negotiate with neighboring factions, and of course, crush enemy armies.

Over the weekend, Sega announced that Creative Assembly’s Alien: Isolation will be launching online and in stores on October 7. The survival-horror adventure title is taking a less action-oriented approach in comparison to its shooter predecessors, and will instead focus on the sense of paranoia and fear felt by the crew in the original film.

Fire up the grill and break out the apple pie: we’re coming. This June, Relic will be offering the chance to play as the US Forces and the German Oberkommando West in a new standalone multiplayer expansion for Company of Heroes 2, The Western Front Armies. Gamers will be able to download the pack as a bundle for $19.99 or per army for $12.99 each. Each side will have unique tactical options as well as new infantry, vehicles, abilities, upgrades, and team weapons, while players will advance through a new progression system. Eight seasonal maps set on the Western Front will also be added. All 31 maps will be accessible to all players, even if they only own the expansion.

The galaxy awaits a ruler, and gamers who have ponied up to pre-order the premium version of Galactic Civilizations III can begin their bid for power in the alpha version through Steam Early Access. The build is only accessible for Founder’s Elite Edition owners, which will also net them all upcoming downloadable packs and expansions. The final version of the 4X galaxy-conquering strategy title isn’t due out until next year, but for now, early adopters will be able to play against the AI and others online, try out the new ideology system, and attempt to manipulate the markets in the new economic system.

The top-down shooter Halo: Spartan Assault will be available on Steam starting on April 4. Set between Halo 3 and 4, Spartan Assault puts players in the role of two soldiers as they battle a besieging Covenant force. The $4.99 shooter will be on sale from April 3-9 for $1.99 for Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8. According to the Steam listing, the new version will also be compatible with Windows 7 and Vista.

A new batch of screenshots has been released from Rocksteady Studios’ upcoming Arkham finale, Batman: Arkham Knight. The shots feature the (drivable) Batmobile as well as the newest villain, Arkham Knight. Batman will not only have to face off against the newcomer but also a coalition of old foes—Penguin, Two-Face, and Harley Quinn—led by Scarecrow.

It’s time for Alucard to show Gabriel how it’s done today with the launch of Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 – Revelations. The prequel storyline follows Alucard up to his reunion with his father, the demon lord Dracula. The new download pack adds new areas to explore within the world of Lords of Shadow 2, as well as two new powers (Glaciem and Igneas), power boosts through drinking blood, and the ability to transform into a werewolf.

Bethesda has announced a premium version of Wolfenstein: The New Order, the Panzerhund Edition. The set will be available on May 20 exclusively through Bethesda’s online store for $100.00 and limited to 5,000 units. Note that the game itself is not included. What the set does include is a footlocker-style box containing an 8-inch articulated Panzerhund statue with base, a classified folder with various documents (maps, blueprints, case files, letters, and an x-ray), 14 full-color vintage postcards bound in a display book, three embroidered patches, custom replica dog tags, and a steelbook case.